30 Best Amsterdam Activities & Escape Rooms 2020

A totally alternative view of Amsterdam

I have always been very sceptical about boat tours in different cities, because they always look so commercial & touristic. The boat ride offered by Chris is totally opposite – a super relaxed way to cruise around Amsterdam and see the local life in a totally different perspective.

Besides being able to see the buildings in a much better way than walking or on bike, you can also see a lot of things happening in that vibrant city – from people shooting wedding photos on the bridges, to locals and/or tourists cruising on the canals with their friends and family, to seeing the life going on in the boat houses.

I'd say it's one of the must do things in Amsterdam and I would recommend Chris to everyone.

Activity in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Private Boat Tour. Photo by Kalev who visited that tour.

Image by Kalev who visited Amsterdam Private Boat Tour.

Things to do in Amsterdam. Photo by Kalev.

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Reviewed by Kalev • May 29, 2017

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

GREAT day on the canals!

Booked a 2hr cruise with Chris, my husband, myself and our two children (5 and 3) were on the cruise. It was an unseasonably HOT day and Chris came prepared with sunscreen! He was amazing with the children and provided as much historical commentary as we would have wanted. He had drinks on board for a very reasonable price and we brought our own food. He took pictures as often as we asked/wanted. Overall, 6stars! I would take cursing with Chris anyday over being packed in a larger tour boat.... Especially when cruising with children, unobstructed views and some room to stretch out (along with drinks and food)! Cruise with Chris, you won’t regret it!

Reviewed by Jamie • April 21, 2018

Amsterdam Private 2-Hour Boat Tour

Wonderful canal tour

Chris treated us to a fantastic tour of Amsterdam. It was a sunny day, quite cool (ice was forming in some places!) but we stayed warm with the help of blankets and laughter. If you want a private boat on the canals, this is the way to go. It's a different perspective from the water, and much more personal than a big tour boat. Plus you can ask Chris about the things that you are most interested in seeing and doing, favorite restaurants, bars and activities. We brought some of our own drinks, and were happy to have his cooler full of beer and wine when we ran out. Cheers to Captain Chris!

Reviewed by Kathleen • March 06, 2018

Amsterdam Private 2-Hour Boat Tour

Highlight of the trip!

Boat trip was beautiful - a definite highlight for our whole group of 6 - and Chris was not only helpful and knowledgeable but also just a fun person to spend an hour or so floating down the canals with! He made the whole process very easy and was able to enrich the trip with facts about the city and locals-only insider info. He gave us a great recommendation for a bar and restaurant and was even able to drop us off near where we were staying. I'd absolutely recommend this to anyone visiting the city. Great value for cost.

Reviewed by Katie Jane • February 16, 2017

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Great day, great guide

We had a beautiful time with Chris. We were looking for something mellow and not so touristy and it fit the bill perfectly. We got to see some canals where the big boats wouldn't fit. Chris told about the city, offered to take a photo of us and gave us some recommendations for the city (only when we asked, nothing unsolicited). He was easy to communicate with and arrange the pick up and drop off points. Thanks Chris!

Reviewed by Amanda • July 15, 2019

Amsterdam Private 2-Hour Boat Tour

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

I got this trip as a surprise for me and 3 friends for a joint birthday thing, it was the highlight of all of our trips in Dam!! You get to see the hidden bits of Amsterdam and always felt very safe. The ice bucket was very useful and we brought our own bread and cheese etcand alcohol on board. Chris was very relaxed and answered any questions we had- he made the trip very enjoyable!! Thank you sooo much

Reviewed by Sarah • July 19, 2019

Amsterdam Private 2-Hour Boat Tour

AMAZING EXPERIENCE

I wanted to propose to my boyfriend while in Amsterdam and was fortunate enough to find Chris. He was very kind and communicative and helped me come up with a clear plan. It could not have gone any better and now we’re engaged!
Chris was the perfect amount of informative, funny, and charming. I highly recommend his boat ride.
Also, Amsterdam at dusk into the night is nothing short of magical.

Things to do in Amsterdam. Photo by Joey.

Tour in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Private Boat Tour. Photo by Joey.

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Reviewed by Joey • September 17, 2019

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Lovely tour of Amsterdam

This was such a lovely tour! It was so nice to do a tour of the canals with just my family. Vanessa told us interesting stories as went thru the canals. With her small boat she was able to take us down some of the quieter canals that the larger tour boats can't travel down. Wet had our teenagers and Grandma with us and everyone enjoyed this tour.

Activity in Amsterdam: Historic Boat Tour of Amsterdam Canals. Photo by Jami who visited that tour.

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Reviewed by Jami • April 12, 2019

Historic Boat Tour of Amsterdam Canals

Highlight of Amsterdam visit

Amsterdam Canals tour is an amazing experience and even better when you have a boat for just you and your friends/family. The view is amazing and the sunset was just glamorous. Besides, Chris was a really friendly guide and drove us to some hidden gems as well as famous places. It was for sure the highlight of our Amsterdam visit.

Reviewed by Débora • June 23, 2018

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Don’t hesitate! This is the boat you want :)

Carl was an amazing host. He made me and my friends feel at ease and made the entire experience perfect. He offers great local insight to Amsterdam and some interesting history along the way, but clearly reads the group and delivers whatever will make the trip most enjoyable for everyone. Cant recommend it enough.

Reviewed by Steven • May 24, 2019

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour with Drinks Included!

Great experience!

Chris was a fabulous guide and is extremely knowledgeable about the city. Seeing the city from the water gave us a beautiful perspective of our surroundings. Our family loved the private canal tour and we were so thankful to not be on one of those crowded tour boats. Highly recommend Chris!!

Tour in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Private Boat Tour. Photo by Chris.

Things to do in Amsterdam. Photo by Chris.

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Reviewed by Chris • May 30, 2018

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Worth it - forget the other boat tours

Forget the other "main" boat tours in Amsterdam. Chris and his tour is a great alternative to see the city in your own time and company, while feeling like a local. Would definitely recommend to anyone trying to avoid the more touristy activities in Amsterdam.

Reviewed by Philip • May 23, 2018

Amsterdam Private 2-Hour Boat Tour

Great private boat tour in Amsterdam

Chris was a great tour guide. He took us to places that the larger canal boats just can't access (because of their size). This gave us a closer look at how the locals live and play in Amsterdam. Excellent overall experience, highly recommended!

Reviewed by Lynn • September 16, 2019

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Great 2h tour on the canals with Chris

My friend and I booked a private tour on the canals with Chris and got to see parts of Amsterdam from the water, that we have never seen before. Would highliy recommend the boat trip and Chris is a great captain and guide.

Reviewed by Yvonne • September 14, 2017

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Wonderful! Thank you, Chris!

Super fun and super interesting!
If you’re considering a boat tour, do it with Chris! He showed us the true beautiful Amsterdam! Thank you Chris and thank you “Like a Local”!
:) :)
Till the next time... Proost 🍻 !!!

Tour in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Private Boat Tour. Photo by Sonja.

Activity in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Private Boat Tour. Photo by Sonja who visited that tour.

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Reviewed by Sonja • October 13, 2018

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

Awesome time!

Chris is an absolutely great guy and we really enjoyed our tour. A couple of our party were running over 30 minutes late due to issues with the tram, and he waited and still gave us over a full hour of our canal tour.

Things to do in Amsterdam. Photo by David.

Activity in Amsterdam: Amsterdam Private Boat Tour. Photo by David who visited that tour.

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Reviewed by David • February 28, 2017

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour

The best Canal Cruise !!

Everthing was great, the boat, the tour, i learned a lot of new things about Amsterdam, its history and present challanges ... good bier, good food and Captain Tony was fun, nice and answered all the questions !!

Reviewed by Mario • September 09, 2018

Amsterdam All-Inclusive 2-Hour Canal Cruise

Its was great

Its was even more fun than expected! The captain was kind and welcoming, and he made sure everyone had fun. It was e very nice and comfortable boat with good snacks and drinks. I would definitly do it again :-)

Tour in Amsterdam: Amsterdam All-Inclusive 2-Hour Canal Cruise. Photo by Martine.

Things to do in Amsterdam. Photo by Martine.

Image by Martine who visited Amsterdam All-Inclusive 2-Hour Canal Cruise.

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Reviewed by Martine • September 16, 2018

Amsterdam All-Inclusive 2-Hour Canal Cruise

Wonderful experience!!!

From the boat ride to the scenery everything was amazing including these great guys. They were really helpful with our travel and history questions. We will definitely bring our friends next time we visit.

Reviewed by Bryan • August 04, 2018

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour with Drinks Included!

Fabulous way to see Amsterdam.

Loved the boat trip. Chris was a great host and his knowledge of the city is extensive. He kindly brought lots of ice, beer and water. Very convenient pick up and drop off. Would definitely use him again.

Reviewed by Martin • May 23, 2018

Amsterdam Private Boat Tour